People with hearing problems in Bradford say their quality of life is suffering as they wait up to two years to be fitted with a hearing aid.

Ever since Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust became one of the first 20 in the country to offer digital hearing aids in 2000, waiting times have rocketed.

The new technology means users get a better hearing quality than with traditional, analogue aids.

But those on the two-year waiting list say that is no consolation. Campaigners believe part of the problem is that health trusts do not have to meet strict Department of Health waiting list targets for the service.

Brian Faulkner, 62, of Finsbury Drive, Swain House, was told in May last year that he needed a digital hearing aid.

He said: "The consultant told me the wait would be five months, then I was told seven months and now I have been told 14 months. I had a heart attack in November - the chances are I will be dead by the time I get it."

Mr Faulkner is not alone. The Telegraph & Argus highlighted the problem last year when former Bradford Community Health Council chairman Karl Dallas was told he would have to wait two years for a digital hearing aid.

And pensioner Margaret McCallion, of Lund Street, has already been waiting 12 months.

"I phoned the hospital this week and they said there were thousands waiting and it could be another 12 months. I don't think I can wait that long," she said.

Jamil Rehman, chief officer of Bradford Community Health Council, said the health watchdog had received numerous calls about the long waiting times, which needed to be addressed immediately.

He said: "It is a national problem, rather than just Bradford. It is mainly due to the switch to digital technology and problems of recruiting staff. Bradford advertised twice last year for specialist nurses and didn't receive one application."

A spokesman for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, which campaigned for the introduction of digital hearing aids for everyone, said: "Part of the problem is that information on waiting times is not scrutinised by the Department of Health in the same way as other areas of ear, nose and throat services."

A spokesman for Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We're one of a number of trusts nationwide spearheading the drive to provide people with the latest digital hearing aids.

"Naturally, there has been tremendous demand and our staff are working at evenings and weekends to see patients, to ensure they have hearing aids fitted as quickly as possible.

"For patients awaiting their first hearing aid, the waiting time is currently about 14 months. We have recently recruited new audiologists to reduce this and are building new assessment facilities.

"We regret patients are not being seen sooner but are working hard to reduce the waiting time."

T&A opinion